Macbeth's soliloquy of Act III, Scene 1 propels the theme of "vaulting ambition" to its fears and guilts. As Shakespeare's soliloquies always reveal the inner thoughts of his characters, Macbeth's soliloquy indicates his paranoia and guilt. For, now that he is king, he worries that he has killed Duncan for nought since the witches have foretold that Banquo's sons will be kings. Macbeth agonizes about how to be rid of Banquo who is very cautious:

He hath a wisdom that...

Macbeth's soliloquy of Act III, Scene 1 propels the theme of "vaulting ambition" to its fears and guilts. As Shakespeare's soliloquies always reveal the inner thoughts of his characters, Macbeth's soliloquy indicates his paranoia and guilt. For, now that he is king, he worries that he has killed Duncan for nought since the witches have foretold that Banquo's sons will be kings. Macbeth agonizes about how to be rid of Banquo who is very cautious:

He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor To act in safety. There is none but he Whose being I do fear; and under him My genius is rebuke, as it is said(60) Mark Antony's was by Caesar.

Macbeth also feels some jealousy of Banquo:

For Banquo's issue have

I filed my mind.

since he is childless: "Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown."

Above all, Macbeth's "vaulting ambition" which has led him to paranoia, now has finally brought him guilt and misery

For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered,(70) Put rancors in the vessel of my peace Only for them, and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man, To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!

Nevertheless, after Macbeth mulls over his fears and guilts, his "vaulting ambition" overcomes the other emotions because he orders the murderers to kill not only Banquo, but his son Fleance, as well.